Major League Soccer (MLS) has handed Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba a one-match suspension, ruling them out of Saturday’s fixture against FC Cincinnati.
The sanction follows the enforcement of league policy requiring all selected players to take part in the All-Star Game unless granted an exemption.
Messi and Alba withdrew from Wednesday’s All-Star showcase, where MLS players faced Mexico’s Liga MX stars, without making their reasons public. Under MLS regulations, players chosen for the event must feature unless excused on grounds such as injury.
“According to league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval is barred from playing in their club’s next match,” MLS stated in its announcement.
Commissioner Don Garber admitted the ruling was a difficult call: “I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I fully understand, respect and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision. Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy on All-Star Game participation that we were obliged to enforce. It was not an easy decision.”
Garber acknowledged the heavy workload on Messi, who at 38 has played nine matches in 35 days, including four FIFA Club World Cup fixtures.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had earlier voiced his wish for the players to rest instead of taking part in the All-Star event. Garber added that the league would review the rule to determine whether it should be adjusted in future.
